St Andrew's Church, Hempstead facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Andrew, Hempstead
St Andrew's seen from the southwest
St Andrew, Hempstead Location in Norfolk
52°47′59″N 1°33′49″E / 52.7996°N 1.5637°E / 52.7996; 1.5637
Location	Hempstead, near Stalham, Norfolk
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Status	parish church
Dedication	St Andrew
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	16 April 1955
Style	Gothic
Years built	13th–15th centuries
Specifications
Materials	flint walls, ashlar quoins, thatched roofs
Bells	3
Tenor bell weight	9 cwt
Administration
Deanery	St Benet at Waxham & Tunstead
Diocese	Norwich
Province	Canterbury

St Andrew's Church, Hempstead is an old and important church located in the village of Hempstead, near Stalham, Norfolk, England. It is a Church of England parish church, which means it serves the local community. The village of Hempstead is part of the Lessingham civil parish and is quite close to the North Sea coast, about half a mile away. This church is also a special 'Grade II* listed building', meaning it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.

A Look Back in Time

St Andrew's Church has a long and interesting history, stretching back many centuries. Different parts of the church were built at different times, showing how building styles changed over hundreds of years.

Early Construction

The oldest part of the church is the chancel, which is the area around the altar. It was built way back in the 13th century, which means it's over 700 years old! The main part of the church, called the nave, where people sit, was built later in the 14th century.

Changes Over the Years

Originally, the nave had aisles on the sides, which are like narrow walkways. However, these aisles were taken down in the 15th century. Also in the 15th century, a tall tower was built at the west end of the church. A beautiful wooden screen, known as a tracery screen, was also added to the arch that separates the nave from the chancel.

Special Features Inside

The upper part of the chancel screen has unique patterns called Perpendicular Gothic tracery. The lower part of the screen is even more special. It has two rows of eight panels, and many of these panels still have original paintings of saints from the 15th century. Sadly, in 1982, one of these panels, which showed a painting of Saint Eligius, was stolen and has never been found.

The church also has a pulpit, where sermons are given, and a reading desk. Both of these important pieces of furniture date back to the 17th century.

The Church Bells

The west tower of St Andrew's Church holds three bells. Each bell has its own story and age:

• The second bell is very old, cast by someone unknown at the end of the 14th century.
• The largest bell, called the tenor bell, was made by Brasyers of Norwich at the end of the 15th century.
• The smallest bell, known as the treble bell, was cast by Thomas Newman of Norwich in 1707.